Attack on Titan

"Sasha, I need you to listen to me."

Her father's words were soft but not afflicted with the usual agitation his tone would carry. Instead, it was quiet from the usual lilt whenever he went on to talk about their village's traditions and history.

"With the fall of Wall Maria, we are likely to be facing shortages of game when the survivors arrive. You won't be able to eat like this anymore."

His words did not mean to be hurtful, or accusatory, but she still felt the sting of his words to this day. She couldn't help that she could eat enough food to feed a few families on her own. It was just one of the defects she sees in herself but has no idea how to change it.

"This path will take you to a place that can help you. He has lived here for many years, from before when I was a boy. My mother called him a son of God, but my father called him an abomination; either way, he has lived a lot longer than anyone else. He has taken in and helped many unfortunate people, one of which being the Survey Corps Commander."

She was sent down an uneven path through the deepest parts of their forest, a place that she had never been near. She found a large cottage that looked better built than any she had seen, but the orchard near the house still made her mouth watered.

She can still remember the taste of the grapes that grew along the side of the house. She missed the sweet and juicy apples and oranges that grew in the back fenced-in pen. The fattest pigs were further down a separate path and they would be filled with any and all leftovers produced by the self-sufficient man.

"Oh my, another one sent to my care." His words were soft and he greeted her with a smile. "It's okay, come on in. I have a stew cooking right now."

She expected a troll of a man, ugly and big from his own vices, but instead he was more handsome than any man she had met. His blonde hair is wild and unkempt, and the brightest blue eyes shined in the late evening that made the forest incredibly dark. A powerful form that is clothed with a black fingertip-length tunic, an orange knee-length undertunic, and black trousers.

This would be the man that raised her from thirteen years old, barely a girl in her puberty at the time. But his caring expression and soothing tone would be the best part of her past that she missed.

Why am I remembering all of this now?

It has been years since she had seen her second home, seen the man that she would grow so fond of. She missed him, missed his stories; missed his embrace.

She went on to the 104th Cadet Corps with the man's blessing. She wanted to gain a place in the Garrisons and return all that he had done for her. She wanted to do it, even when told by him that it was his duty to take care of the misplaced and castaway children. She wanted him to look at her as a woman, not the child he took care of.

I don't want to die without seeing him again.

The last time she had heard of him was after retaking Maria, and she was injured! He had arrived in time to turn around the battle; he scared off the Beast and Cart Titans and even captured Annie Lockhart and Bertolt Hoover before they could escape as well!

He had been able to heal her and many others' injuries with his magic but she wasn't awake to see him again. Was he disappointed in her for being injured? Was he worried about her? Why did he leave? He took Annie with him!

"Please..."

Tears began running down her cheeks as she prayed for someone to save her. She needed to tell Naruto how she felt before she died!

"Oh my," the voice she fantasized about so many times spoke through the ruckus of her comrades that were beating on Gabi and Falco. "My little girl has found herself dying once more."

She couldn't see who spoke, if it was real or her imagination, and her movements were restricted from the pain. But she hoped dearly that it was him. Please be him.

"It's okay," he shushed her softly, a hand going to her stomach while another held her cheek softly. "I will make it better. I'm always here for you. No more tears."

The cabin got eerily quiet as he spoke, his words a soft and light tone that bounced around despite all of the sounds. She whimpered. Not because of the pain or from the sudden shock of his magic healing her with the embrace of a cold shower.

No, she is crying because he is really here. He's here for her! He is saving her life and he is showing his love openly.

"I love you."

Her words were still stained and gurgled, but she knew he heard her from the twitch of his fingers.

"I know, child. I know you do."

She was feeling better in moments, her strength returning like water rushing through a broken dam from the power of his magic. She grabbed his hand as she tried to look at his face but his head was shadowed by the dark orange hooded mantle of his outfit. But those blue eyes she has dreamt about for so many years looked at her with a loving warmth that made her stomach flip.

"Naruto!"

He held her as soon as she bolted into his arms, a soft chuckle dancing in the air despite the dire situation from moments ago. His strong arms held her caringly, rubbing her back as she sobbed into his neck.

"Shh, stop your tears, child. There is no reason to cry anymore."

"I've missed you!" She was able to get out through her hiccups and sobs. "I wanted to see you for so long!"

"I'm sorry, child," he rubbed her scalp with his fingers. "I had things to do."

Sasha finally pulled away before saying, "I'm not a child! I'm a woman! I'm grown! I'm mature!"

Naruto's knowing smile greeted her like a gust of wind, his eyes twinkling with knowledge that left her feeling bare. "I know, Sasha. I love you, too, and I will continue to love you and protect you long after I and you breathe."

This is for you Volcasiron30. Hope you like it, it was an interesting idea.